Hesitant Emancipator- Lincoln - 2916 Words

BU WR 150 Paper 3 The Hesitant Emancipator Never boring: simple words that describe the simple life of one of the greatest American Heroes of all time. Over the years we have come to understand the Great Emancipator’s struggles and his determination to push for a better future for his nation. In the blink of war, Lincoln came to the nation’s rescue. But was Lincoln really the Great Emancipator? Was Lincoln actually opposed to the slavery movement? Or did he not consider the blacks to be an equal race? Did he make an active effort to free the slaves? Or was the emancipation a never Lincoln’s priority? In my opinion, although freeing the slaves was never Lincoln’s top priority during his tenure as president, Lincoln was†¦show more content†¦Although Lincoln was opposed to enslaving the African Americans, it is possible that he may never have considered them equals. In the late 1850’s, Lincoln was known to have a similar theme in his speeches, where he made it clear to the people that he did not consider the blacks to be an equal race. He wanted to set them free, but Lincoln wanted to have them shipped off to Africa rather than have them live within the union. In his 1858 campaign in Illinois for the Senate against Stephen Douglas, Lincoln spoke to his listeners and said: â€Å"Let us discard all this quibbling about this man and the other man, this race and that race and the other race being inferior. Let us discard all these things, and unite as one people throughout this land, until we shall once more stand up declaring that all men are created equal.[12]† Lincoln clearly said what he did to please his listeners. Out bursts the politician and statesman in Lincoln. A few months later in Southern Illinois, a very different Lincoln said: â€Å"I will say, then, that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races; that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people. And while they do remain together there must be the position of superior andShow MoreRelatedAbraham Lincoln: Great Emancipator or Common Politician?1487 Words   |  6 PagesPresident Abraham Lincoln has been revered as one of the greatest presidents in the history of the United States. He is known for his great effect on slavery and served his terms during the civil war in a time of great controversy. The American Civil War (1860-1865) occurred at the exact time of Lincolns presidency (1861-1865). The North and the South were divided and a big issue was slavery, on which Lincoln took an anti-slavery stance. Lincoln has been called many things because of his views fro mRead MoreThe President Of The United States1503 Words   |  7 Pagesdecision is best for the people and the documents needed to support it. Abraham Lincoln, one of the country’s most distinguished presidents, was a good human being with the right mindset and morals. His lifestyle shows his moral character and his many choices regarding slavery and the rights of African Americans. Lincoln also possessed many important virtues, like kindness and magnanimity to a high standard. Abraham Lincoln s character led to the decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863